More Americans are opting for cosmetic surgery than ever before, and experts have long speculated that the rise in the procedures is somehow tethered to the increase in personal technology and social media. A new survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) seems to confirm those speculations.

In any aesthetic composition, there is a single point that draws the eyes and defines how we evaluate the composition as a whole. Artists call this the focal point. The focal point may not be the first aspect you see in a painting, but it is the feature that your eyes subconsciously reference to determine symmetrical values.

What do you think of when you see someone using video-calling services like Skype or FaceTime? If you are over 30, you probably have flashbacks to The Jetsons T.V. series. Not long ago, video conferencing was the stuff of science fiction. Now, tough, it isn’t just a reality; it’s becoming a big part of modern life.

Despite all of the press coverage and the growing social acceptance of cosmetic treatments in general, facelifts remain extremely misunderstood by the public at large. It is often seen as a procedure that is becoming obscure or that makes people look unnatural. In truth, the techniques and technology have advanced to the point that patients can get what they really want: a youthful, refreshed and natural appearance that allows them to look better without any easily noticeable marks.

Chances are, when you are considering a facelift, you will be going to your surgeon’s office armed with a lot of questions. This is a good thing. You should absolutely be curious about how the procedure works and why your surgeon is qualified to perform it, but it also pays to have some concrete ideas about your surgery so that you can answer the questions that your surgeon will have for you.

Staving off the signs of aging, especially on the face, has been a preoccupation for people throughout history, so it is no wonder that early facelift methods were first developed early in the 1900s. Since then, the procedure has been subject to many changes and innovations. Now, it is one of the most popular and safest procedures in the world. In fact, it grew in popularity by about 6 percent between 2011 and 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the cheeks are among the most neglected features. Most people opt for a facelift or a rhinoplasty without even considering if cheek implants would be more helpful in reaching their goals. That’s unfortunate, because much of our culture’s ideals about beauty relate to the cheeks.

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), rhinoplasties are currently the most sought-after facial cosmetic surgery in the country. You may be wondering, why are so many people rushing out to have a nose job?

Most cosmetic surgeries are charged with controversy that is fueled by popular misconceptions, perhaps none more than the facelift. This may be because facelifts offer some of the most visible cosmetic results. While body procedures can be hidden in most day-to-day situations, facial treatments are almost always noticeable.